Green Olive Soup might not be the first dish that comes to mind when thinking about comforting, soul-warming meals, but let me tell you-this one’s a hidden gem. The combination of briny olives, fresh vegetables, and tender broth creates an unexpectedly harmonious flavor that can transform your day from mundane to extraordinary. Often found in Mediterranean kitchens, this soup has roots in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Morocco, where olives are a dietary staple. It’s a perfect dish for when you’re craving something both light and hearty, rich in flavor but not too heavy.
This recipe is great for those who want to explore something a little different, but it’s also fantastic for olive lovers-there’s a beautiful balance of salty, savory, and herby notes that make each spoonful feel like a treat. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or to impress guests with something unique, this Green Olive Soup has all the makings of a winning dish.
Green Olive Soup Recipe
Serves: 4-6 people
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients Needed
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Green Olives (pitted): 1 1/2 cups
- Look for high-quality olives; brine-cured or Kalamata olives work best for their intense flavor.
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Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- This will be the base for sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich, aromatic foundation.
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Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Sweet and slightly savory, onions provide depth to the soup’s base.
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Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- The fragrant aroma of garlic adds richness to the broth.
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Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- A subtle sweetness that balances the briny olives.
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Celery Stalks: 2, chopped
- Celery contributes a bit of crunch and fresh flavor.
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Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
- They help thicken the soup and give it a hearty feel.
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Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth): 4 cups
- The broth brings everything together, making a savory, comforting liquid.
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Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- A touch of citrus brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness.
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Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Thyme adds earthy notes that complement the olives beautifully.
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Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Since olives are salty, be cautious when adding extra salt until you’ve tasted the soup.
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Fresh Parsley: For garnish
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a slight freshness when sprinkled on top.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by pitting the green olives, if they’re not pre-pitted, and chop the vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes). This will make the cooking process smoother.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent-about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook The Carrots And Celery
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir frequently and let them soften for about 5 minutes.
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Simmer The Potatoes And Broth
- Add the cubed potatoes to the mix, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add Olives And Season
- Stir in the pitted green olives, thyme, and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the olives to infuse the soup with their briny, savory flavor.
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Blend (optional)
- If you prefer a smooth soup, you can blend half (or all) of the soup using an immersion blender. Blending will create a creamy texture, but you can leave it chunky for more bite.
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Season To Taste
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning. Since olives are salty, you may only need a pinch of salt. Add black pepper to your liking.
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Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. The garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the dish.
Ingredient Insights
- Green Olives: Not just for snacking, green olives add an incredible depth of flavor to savory dishes. Their naturally briny taste brings a unique contrast to the sweet vegetables and the rich broth. They also provide a good dose of healthy fats, making this soup both delicious and nutritious.
- Olive Oil: While the olive oil here is used for cooking, it also contributes to the overall flavor of the dish. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and it complements the olives, enhancing their natural flavor.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme has a slightly minty, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with olives. It’s an herb often used in Mediterranean cooking, offering a fragrant, aromatic quality that adds layers to the soup.
- Lemon Juice: The tang of lemon adds a necessary brightness and balances the richness of the olive oil and broth. It also acts as a natural flavor enhancer, helping all the other ingredients shine.
Expert Tips
- Use good-quality olives: The olives are the star of this dish, so selecting high-quality ones will make a significant difference in the final flavor. Opt for brined or cured green olives (not the canned, overly salty kind) for the best taste.
- Simmer low and slow: When adding the olives and other ingredients, let the soup simmer gently. This allows the olives to impart their flavor into the broth, giving you a more balanced and flavorful soup.
- Season gradually: Olives are already salty, so be cautious when adding extra salt. Taste the soup first before adding additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- Customize the texture: If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave the soup as is. If you prefer something smoother, blend half of the soup or use an immersion blender. This helps create a creamy, velvety base while leaving some bits of vegetables intact for texture.
Recipe Variations
- Add Meat: You can introduce a meaty element to this soup by adding diced chicken or lamb. Just brown the meat along with the onions and garlic, then proceed with the rest of the recipe. This adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a few crushed red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the mix. The spiciness balances the briny olives in a really interesting way.
- Mediterranean Twist: Try adding some feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast to the tangy and briny flavors. You could also toss in some chopped sundried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Herb Variations: While thyme works wonderfully, you could also experiment with rosemary, bay leaves, or oregano for a different herby profile. Each herb brings a different layer of flavor, so feel free to play around.
Final Words
This Green Olive Soup is truly a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, bringing together simple ingredients to create a dish that is both comforting and vibrant. Whether you make it as a starter, a light meal, or an unexpected addition to your regular recipe rotation, it’s one of those dishes that feels both rustic and refined.
The best part? You can easily make it your own. Add your favorite herbs, vegetables, or even protein, and you’ll have a dish that’s tailored to your exact taste. It’s an exploration of flavors, textures, and the beauty of Mediterranean cooking that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.